Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that KeyBank and the First Niagara Foundation have answered his challenge and will match New York $1.2 million investment to construct KeyBank Crossing, a new state-of-the-art structure to house the DeAngelis Carousel at Canalside in Buffalo. This comes just over two months after the Governor first announced the state’s challenge to raise funds for the carousel that will complement the rapid transformation of Buffalo’s waterfront. With KeyBank's contribution secured, New York's matching grant will now be released and enable the project to move forward.

"The addition of the DeAngelis Carousel will only add to Buffalo's thriving waterfront and ever-growing tourism industry that experienced record-highs in visitation this year," Governor Cuomo said. "Thanks to the generosity of KeyBank, this historic attraction will be housed in a state-of-the-art facility that will enable it to be a draw for Western New Yorkers and visitors alike all year round."

"The vintage DeAngelis Carousel will now have a new home at Canalside, drawing even more families to an increasingly vibrant waterfront. The new location, which is solar-powered, provides a perfect marriage between new energy and old-style craftsmanship," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "KeyBank’s generosity will help preserve this historic treasure and keep it right here in Buffalo, where it belongs."

The new KeyBank Crossing building will enclose the nearly century-old, custom-designed wooden carousel to enable year-round access, provide space for events and activities, and showcase Western New York’s vibrant waterfront and rich history in carousel making. It is predicted to open in the next two years and the price of admission will be set at a maximum of $1.

KeyBank Upstate New York Regional Executive Gary Quenneville said, “Partnering with the First Niagara Foundation, KeyBank is proud to invest in the future of Buffalo and work with Governor Cuomo to bring this cultural gem to our city. From our regional headquarters in Larkinville, to KeyBank Center, KeyBank is committed to supporting Buffalo’s renaissance. This project will be a wonderful addition to our city’s Canalside neighborhood and is certain to help it thrive.”

The vintage menagerie, park-style carousel was manufactured in 1924 by Spillman Engineering in North Tonawanda. Buffalo Heritage Carousel acquired the DeAngelis Carousel to provide family oriented recreation on Buffalo’s waterfront and to celebrate Western New York’s industrial heritage and legacy of leadership in renewable energy. In addition to funds secured by Governor Cuomo and KeyBank, as well as private donations, Assemblyman Sean Ryan has secured $600,000 in funding from New York State to fund the restoration work for the historic carousel. Buffalo Heritage Carousel will continue to raise funds for additional features associated with the building.

President of Buffalo Heritage Carousel, Inc. Laurie Hauer-LaDuca said, "We are honored by the wonderful support of KeyBank and the First Niagara Foundation. This is an incredible partnership as Buffalo Heritage Carousel works to provide family oriented recreation on Buffalo’s waterfront and to celebrate Western New York's industrial heritage and legacy of leadership in renewable energy. It demonstrates KeyBank’s and the First Niagara Foundation recognition of the importance to our mission and their commitment to our community."

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairman Robert Gioia said, “With KeyBank’s generous contribution to bring the DeAngelis Carousel to Canalside, we are one step closer to having this year-round, family attraction on Buffalo’s waterfront within two years. This will give both residents and visitors to Western New York another reason to spend time at the city’s bustling hot spot.”

Congressman Brian Higgins said, "It's great to see continued private sector investment in Buffalo's waterfront."

Senator Tim Kennedy said, "Buffalo's waterfront has seen an unprecedented transformation, and with the addition of the historic DeAngelis Carousel, there is even more reason to visit the area. With KeyBank and First Niagara Foundation stepping up to match the continued support of Governor Cuomo, we are seeing an investment in our community that will be reflected for years to come, and giving families and visitors the access to a true historic gem. We're grateful for this commitment, and we look forward to continued growth."

Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said, "Tourism is helping to drive our regional economy and this public and private funding builds on that momentum. The solar-powered carousel will provide a year-round family destination and regional attraction that will promote our unique history and tourism. The $1.2 million commitment by Keybank highlights Buffalo as a place to invest. I thank Governor Cuomo and Keybank for helping bring this historic project to life and bringing more cultural history to Canalside for all to enjoy."

Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, "The momentum for the Carousel at Canalside keeps building with today’s exciting announcement. I worked to secure $600,000 in funding for the carousel because Western New Yorkers deserve to have this beloved attraction back at its original home. The carousel at Canalside will be entertaining, sustainable, and will fortify our growing waterfront economically and culturally. I thank KeyBank for making this significant investment, and Governor Cuomo for providing additional funding from New York State. Today’s news brings us one step closer to seeing this dream become a reality. I look forward to the grand opening of this exciting new waterfront attraction."

Mayor Byron Brown said, "This is an exciting day for the Buffalo waterfront. I look forward to seeing the historic Carousel come back home. This is going to be another attraction that will keep bringing residents and visitors to our downtown waterfront year-round. Thank you to Buffalo Heritage Carousel, Inc. for contributing to the development of our waterfront, as well as Governor Cuomo for reaching out to the community, including KeyBank and the First Niagara Foundation, to help fund what will be our latest addition to downtown Buffalo and Canalside."

Buffalo Heritage Carousel Capital Campaign Director Corky Burger said, "We have been in contact with many companies and foundations and based upon their responses we are confident about raising this remaining amount."

Buffalo Heritage Carousel
Buffalo Heritage Carousel, the City of Buffalo and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation announced in June that a memorandum of understanding had been reached between these three entities to provide a future location for the carousel at Canalside. In accordance with this MOU, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation purchased property to provide a place to construct and operate the carousel project.

Buffalo Heritage Carousel, Inc. was formed as a 501c3 non-profit organization to bring a solar-powered carousel to our revitalized urban waterfront, one that celebrates the history of carousel manufacturing in Western New York, the Erie Canal and the legacy of leadership in the use of renewable energy. The mission of Buffalo Heritage Carousel, Inc. is to provide entertainment and education about renewable energy technologies in a way that stimulates life-long learning about our environment and the responsible use of our natural resources.